Yes, Pardon Me; We Are Amateurs.

It was during the Press Conference given by Tan Sri Khalid that I saw her again. Her features are unmistakable for anyone else for though she is a lady, she has strong features that from a distance, anyone may think otherwise. Except for the presence of her long hair. But that, is still arguable to some.

As the room was packed with journalists and crew members, I chose to sit and listen from outside. If one remember well those sardine-packed mini-buses in KL especially during rainy days where all the windows are shut, then one would have followed the steps I did - just to show the fact how packed, stuffy and humid the room was even with air-conditioner at full blast. And it was while sitting there that I noticed her.

She was late for the PC and the room was filled to the brim by then. So she stood outside where I was while leaning her arse on the table where I sat. I recognised her instantly but she did not me. And the moment she turned her face my way and mumbled something which I could not make out, I quipped "You don't remember me do you?"

She gave me a long look and shook her head "No, I'm sorry I don't. Have we met?"

Sometime early in 2006, Wak and I covered the International Islamic Fair at the PWTC. As there were many prominent people around from all over the Muslim world, the organisers had arranged for the Media to hold interviews and Press Conferences, and had even kindly alloted the Media with a room to rest or do their write-up. It was while in the room that we met.

"Yes,"I replied "in PWTC during the IIF."
"IIF? No, it could not have been me, I don't do those stuff" she said back.
"No, you may not. But you were there for some interviews and PC's, including one with Tun Dr M" I mentioned.
That got her head nodding and she gave me another look while I continued on about the day in PWTC.
"I remember you well as you sneered at me when we were introduced" I told her. That, had her whole body turning to face me.

While exchanging information with some journalist from Bernama as well as an Islamic magazine, the lady came to our table and sat across me. She then introduced herself as we did with her. But when I mentioned about webtv8 and that we were volunteers, her face strangely became contorted and she let out "Huh! Don't you fool me! There's no such thing as volunteers in this world!"
I repeated my words and added "You don't have to believe if you don't want to", and left the table.

Several minutes later, Roslan arrived with Dato' Hassan Ali and Suwandi, on behalf of PAS Selangor. While Dato' was ushered into the room, Roslan and Suawandi stayed outside. It was then I pointed out Roslan to her. The contorted face she made at PWTC, she repeated it again, knowing full well the Roslan I pointed out was Roslan SMS. Then she said to me "We in the mainstream media know more about Malaysia than you guys. So please, don't try to change the world" (the last part is not verbatim but to that effect, and she meant bloggers and webtv8, including all the alternative media).

However not long afterwards, I saw her introducing herself to Roslan and trying to chat him up. In such circumstance, I could not help but snicker and said to myself "Amaterus, are we?"


*The she I refer here is a freelance lady journalist formerly from Utusan Melayu.